Mourners line Liverpool streets to say goodbye to Cilla

MOURNERS lined the streets of Liverpool to pay tribute to local heroine Cilla Black as her funeral cortege wound through the city streets on its way to the service held at St Mary’s Church in Woolton (Thursday August 20).

Long-term friend Cliff Richard was among those participating in the service, singing his 2004 song Faithful One after the opening remarks at the Requiem Mass are made by Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool, Right Reverend Thomas Williams.

Amongst the other famous faces paying tribute to their friend at the service were Jimmy Tarbuck and Christopher Biggins.

Biggins told ITV on Thursday morning: “It’s like Cinderella has returned to Liverpool… If Cilla were here, she’d love it.”

Cilla’s oldest sons Robert and Ben Willis both gave readings, and Cilla’s poignant hit Anyone Who Had a Heart play while mourners received Holy Communion.

Presenter and comedian Paul O’Grady made the final tribute at the service, before Liverpool’s sweetheart was taken to be laid to rest in Allerton Cemetery.

Cilla passed away at her Costa del Sol holiday home in Estepona on August 1, after suffering a stroke following a fall.